Are recommendations actually required for college applications?

I’ve read a lot about needing letters of recommendation for college stuff, but are they actually required? Like, do every single college ask for them or some just consider it a plus?

Hey there! It's great that you're looking ahead to understand the college application process. Yes, most colleges do require letters of recommendation as part of the application. They're pretty important, as they offer admissions officers a glimpse into your personality and skills from someone else's perspective, often giving context to your academic and personal achievements.

That said, not every single college requires them. Some may only ask for them if you're applying for a specific program or scholarship, while others might not ask for them at all. It really depends on the school and can vary widely. For instance, larger public universities might not require them due to the volume of applications they receive, while more selective colleges typically do. It’s always a good idea to check the admissions requirements for each college you're interested in to be sure.

If a college does require recommendation letters, they usually ask for one to three, and they often want at least one from a teacher who taught you in a core academic subject. My tip? Start thinking about who you’d ask for these letters well in advance, as you’ll want to give your recommenders plenty of time to write something thoughtful. If you need help deciding who to ask or how to go about it, don't hesitate to reach out!